Pompette
Oxford, Oxfordshire
Entry
Summertown locals are lucky to have family-run Pompette on their doorstep and they’re eager to applaud every aspect of this little slice of French bonhomie in the north of the city. With its walls emblazoned with artwork, a gorgeous summertime terrace and professional but personable staff, no wonder it is reckoned to be ‘an extra special place’. And that’s before we get to the food. Chef/co-owner Pascal Wiedemann spent 14 years shaking the pans in big-name London kitchens (from Racine and Terroirs to Six Portland Road), before bringing his vision of bourgeois French cuisine to Oxford. His menu is entrenched in the classics, but with the odd detour across the border. Fish soup, champignons à la grecque and côte de boeuf share the billing with ham and Manchego croquettes, white crab with ajo blanco, and grilled rabbit with Bomba rice, chorizo and piquillo peppers. French farmhouse cheeses, poached apricots and canelés de Bordeaux with salted rum caramel (Friday and Saturday nights only) round off a simple, satisfying offer. Alternatively, drop by for poulet frites on Wednesday nights or steak frites on Thursday, if you prefer; they even do a proper petit-déjeuner from 10am. Pompette is the charming French word for tipsy, so we do need to mention the libations: Ricard, Lillet Blanc, Picon Bière and Normandy cider all get a look-in alongside a list of patriotically French wines (plus the odd interloper).
Dining Information:
Private dining room, Separate bar, Wheelchair access, Parking, Family friendly
7 South Parade, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX2 7JL
01865 311166
